The International Navodaya Chamber of Commerce (INCOC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, successfully organized an “Entrepreneur Awareness and Special Vendor Development Program” at the auditorium of Manorama Hotel. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs, professionals, and representatives of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from across the region. The event aimed to create awareness about government schemes, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage MSMEs to participate in national procurement and digital platforms.
The initiative was part of the ongoing efforts of INCOC to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with government initiatives, financial institutions, and digital marketplaces. The program provided an excellent platform for participants to learn about various schemes of the Government of India and explore opportunities to expand their businesses.
The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Ayush Kumar, District Industries Officer and General Manager, who shared valuable insights into the role of government institutions in promoting MSME growth. In his address, he emphasized that MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy and play a crucial role in employment generation, innovation, and regional development. He encouraged entrepreneurs to actively take advantage of government schemes, training programs, and financial support initiatives available through the Ministry of MSME.
Mr. Ayush Kumar also highlighted the importance of formalizing businesses through proper registration under the MSME framework, which enables entrepreneurs to access benefits such as financial assistance, subsidies, credit facilities, and participation in government procurement. He appreciated the initiative taken by INCOC for organizing such awareness programs in districts like Gopalganj, which help bridge the information gap between policymakers and grassroots entrepreneurs.
Another distinguished speaker at the program was J. K. Jamuwar, Lead District Manager (LDM), who addressed the gathering and spoke about the role of banks and financial institutions in supporting MSMEs. He emphasized the availability of various credit schemes designed to support small and medium enterprises and encouraged entrepreneurs to maintain proper financial documentation and credit discipline. He also explained how banking institutions are working closely with government programs to ensure that entrepreneurs receive timely financial assistance for their business ventures.
A key highlight of the program was the detailed session conducted by I. A. Ansari, Senior Branch Head of the National SC-ST Hub office at Bodh Gaya. During his presentation, he provided comprehensive information about the schemes and support mechanisms available for entrepreneurs under the National SC-ST Hub initiative. He explained how the program aims to empower entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities by facilitating market access, capacity building, and participation in public procurement.
Sri I. A. Ansari elaborated on the benefits of vendor development programs and how entrepreneurs can register themselves to become suppliers to government departments and public sector undertakings. He also explained the process of obtaining certification, accessing financial support, and utilizing capacity-building initiatives that enable MSMEs to compete effectively in larger markets.
The session on digital procurement was delivered by Roshan Kumar, who shared valuable insights about the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. He explained the significance of the GeM platform in promoting transparent and efficient government procurement. Through the portal, MSMEs can directly supply goods and services to government departments without the complexities of traditional tendering processes.
During his presentation, he guided participants through the registration process, product listing, and the opportunities available for businesses on the GeM portal. He encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt digital platforms as a means to expand their market reach and participate in government procurement opportunities across India.
The Founder of INCOC, Sandeep Kumar (FCMA, CA), also addressed the gathering and shared the vision and mission of the International Navodaya Chamber of Commerce. He explained that INCOC is committed to strengthening the MSME ecosystem by facilitating networking, policy advocacy, skill development, and market linkages.
He highlighted that INCOC works in close collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and other institutions to ensure that entrepreneurs receive timely information about government schemes and business opportunities. He emphasized that awareness programs such as this one are essential for empowering entrepreneurs, particularly in smaller cities and districts, where access to information and resources is often limited.
Mr. Sandeep Kumar also spoke about the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs, industry bodies, and government institutions to build a stronger business ecosystem. He encouraged MSMEs to actively participate in such programs and remain connected with organizations like INCOC to stay informed about new policies, initiatives, and opportunities.
Another important session during the program was conducted by Manoj Singh, Bihar-Jharkhand Head of INCOC and a Cost and Management Accountant (CMA). In his address, he explained the concept and benefits of Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS). He highlighted how the platform helps MSMEs improve their cash flow by enabling them to receive early payments against their invoices.
He explained that delayed payments are a common challenge faced by MSMEs, and platforms like TReDS provide an effective solution by allowing invoices to be financed by banks and financial institutions. Through this system, MSMEs can convert their receivables into immediate working capital, thereby improving liquidity and business sustainability.
The program witnessed the participation of more than 150 MSME entrepreneurs, traders, and professionals from Gopalganj and nearby regions. Participants actively engaged in the sessions, asked questions, and interacted with the speakers to gain clarity on various schemes and opportunities.
The event served as a valuable knowledge-sharing platform where entrepreneurs could learn about government initiatives, financial support mechanisms, digital procurement systems, and innovative financial solutions. The presence of experts and officials from different institutions ensured that participants received accurate and practical guidance for their businesses.
Overall, the Entrepreneur Awareness and Special Vendor Development Program proved to be a highly successful and impactful initiative. It not only enhanced awareness among entrepreneurs but also strengthened the connection between MSMEs, government institutions, and industry organizations.
The International Navodaya Chamber of Commerce reiterated its commitment to organizing similar programs across different regions to empower entrepreneurs, promote sustainable business growth, and contribute to the development of the MSME sector in India. Through such collaborative initiatives with the Ministry of MSME, INCOC continues to play an important role in building a strong and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.
